Our second Fund A Future Citizen event was a spectacular afternoon, filled with inspiring speeches from elected officials, council members, and community leaders. Hosted at Beer Baron Bar & Kitchen, the event brought guests together for an evening of connection, compassion, and to find out how they can support immigrants on their journey to U.S. Citizenship.
“Between Catholic Charities and between the Chandi Hospitality Group and between all the other organizations that are represented here today, you have this perfect symbol of what broad based support is, for the issues that we're talking about today, immigration and citizenship in our community,” said Santa Rosa City Mayor Mark Stapp.
The event's success was made possible by the contributions of notable guests, including U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson, Santa Rosa City Mayor Mark Stapp, Catholic Charities of Northwest California Chief Executive Officer Jennielynn Holmes, Sonu Chandi, owner and CEO of Chandi Hospitality Group, and Pastor Aeryn Johnson of First Presbyterian. Their presence and words emphasized the importance of investing in the future of our local immigrant community, highlighting themes of empowerment, opportunity, and civic responsibility.
“It is important that we speak out. It is important that there are groups such as Catholic Charities that are doing the great work that you are doing,” said U.S. Congressman Michael Thompson.
The speeches left guests motivated and inspired to do more for our immigrant neighbors, and we are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from so many members of our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a great success.
“One of the things we really need is to help reclaim the word immigrant. We need to shift it from being misunderstood or misused, and instead restore its true meaning, which is one of hope, innovation, opportunity, and belonging. Immigrants are not outsiders. And we believe that every person who wants to become a U.S. citizen should have the opportunity to do so,” said Jennielynn Homes, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of Northwest California.
